Ragon Institute ( Ragon Institute )

Ragon Institute

Since HIV/AIDS emerged as a global health problem nearly thirty years ago,scientists have made significant gains and impressive breakthroughs in our understanding of the disease and how to treat it. Nonetheless, the development of an effective HIV/AIDS vaccine – the best hope for ending the epidemic – remains an elusive target.

The complexity of the task is underscored by the infinite variability of the virus, its Houdini-like capacity to escape immune system attack and the inability – so far – of the world’s best scientific minds to overcome these and other well-identified obstacles to vaccine development. To overcome such hurdles, existing research efforts must be complemented and bolstered with additional brainpower, fresh perspectives, enhanced cross-disciplinary collaborations, and the resources necessary to create and implement innovative solutions.